Curtain Call
Theater previews and openings Oct. 31 - Nov. 6
Dance Slam
Dance Chicago presents an interactive competition featuring dance groups competing against one another with the audience deciding their favorite. Nov. 2. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, $18-$31; athenaeum theatre.org
‘Dead Man Walking’
The Chicago premiere of Jake Heggie and Terrance McNally’s opera based on Sister Helen Prejean’s book that recounts her experience as the spiritual adviser to a convicted killer on death row. Opens Nov. 2; to Nov. 22. Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker, $39-$299; lyricopera.org
‘Hoodoo Love’
Katori Hall’s drama about a young woman who, after escaping the cotton fields of Mississippi, arrives in Memphis with hopes of becoming a blues singer; directed by Wardell Julius Clark. Previews begin Oct. 31, opens Nov. 4; to Dec. 15. Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, $43, $46; raventheatre.com
‘Little Black Dress — The Musical’
This is the story of two friends who experience life through their little black dresses. (The show opens for an extended run in spring 2020.) Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, $50; littleblackdressthemusical.com
‘My Life Is a Country Song’
Anthony Whitaker’s musical is the story of a woman starting her life over after a failed and abusive marriage in early 1980s South Carolina. Preview Nov. 1, opens Nov. 3; to Nov. 21. New American Folk Theatre at Chief O’Neill’s Pub, 3471 N. Elston, $20; newamericanfolk theatre.org
‘The Niceties’
Eleanor Burgess’ provocative drama examines what happens when theoretical arguments suddenly turn personal in the ivory tower of an elite university. Previews begin Nov. 6, opens Nov. 13; to Dec. 15. Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe, $$30-$89; writerstheatre.org
‘A Packet of Holiness and Joy Will Come to You? (A Fable)’
The citizens of a major city move in and out of love as the city sits on the edge of collapse. Opens Nov. 1; to Dec. 1. Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston, $15 or pay-what-you-can; propthtr.org
‘Packing’
Scott Bradley’s solo show tells of one artist’s journey of self-discovery as it intersects with recent queer history; directed by Chay Yew. Previews begin Oct. 31, opens Nov. 7; to Dec. 7. About Face Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $20-$38; aboutfacetheatre.com
‘P.Y.G. or The Mis-Edumacation of Dorian Belle’
Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm’s drama about a chart-topping pop singer who hires two badboy rappers to help him toughen up his image; directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Opens Nov. 5; to Dec. 21. Jackalope Theatre at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway, $10-$35; jackalopetheatre.org
‘Romeo and Juliet’
Shakespeare’s tragedy of young lovers in a society torn by hate; directed by Barbara Gaines. Previews begin Nov. 1, opens Nov. 8; to Dec. 22. Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $49-$90; chicagoshakes.com
‘The Steadfast Tin Soldier’
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story, director Mary Zimmerman concocts a spectacle about the unlikely adventures of a little tin soldier. Previews begin Nov. 1, opens Nov. 6; to Jan. 26. Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan, $35-$85; lookingglasstheatre.org
‘The Suffrage Plays’
Three one-act plays — Evelyn Glover’s “A Chat with Mrs. Chicky” and “Miss Appleyard’s Awakening,” and George Bernard Shaw’s “Press Cuttings.” Opens Nov. 1; to Nov. 24. Artemisia Theatre at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, $20-$30; artemisiatheatre.org
Mary Houlihan, For the Sun-Times